Impact resistant surface insulation tile for a space vehicle and associated protection method

a technology for space vehicles and impact resistance, applied in the field of impact resistance surface insulation tiles for space vehicles, can solve the problems of reducing the mass of these objects, reducing the speed of the rlv, and so as to reduce the maintenance cost, not to unnecessarily increase the weight of the rlv, the effect of increasing the life of the rlv
US20030213873A1Inactive Publication Date: 2003-11-20THE BOEING CO
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
US · United States
Patent Type
Applications(United States)
Current Assignee / Owner
THE BOEING CO
Publication Date
2003-11-20
Estimated Expiration
Not applicable · inactive patent

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Abstract

An impact resistant insulation tile is provided that is capable of withstanding the impact of Micrometeriods and Other Debris (MMOD). The tiles are secured to an exterior surface of a Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV). A durable coating is applied to the exterior surface of a thermally insulative layer to fragment and slow down MMOD that collide with the tile. In addition, a shock layer may be embedded within the thermal insulator to further reduce the size and speed of MMOD particles. A ballistic strain isolator pad may also be located between the thermal insulator and the RLV structure to capture fragmented particles.
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Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to tile components that provide both thermal and impact protection for a reusable launch vehicle such as the space shuttle.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A reusable launch vehicle (RLV), such as the space shuttle, repeatedly travels into or beyond the earth's upper atmosphere and then returns to the earth's surface. During flight, the RLV experiences extreme temperatures, ranging from -250.degree. F. while in orbit to nearly 2500.degree. F. upon reentry to the atmosphere. Because of the extreme temperatures, the vehicle and its contents must be protected by a thermal protection system.

[0003] Thermal protection systems for RLVs are constructed from a large number, usually several thousand, of insulation tiles. The tiles function to insulate the vehicle from the environment and to radiate and reflect heat from the vehicle. In addition to protecting the vehicle from environmental heat sources, the insulation tiles also provi...

Claims

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